Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: 4est Trekker on July 13, 2011, 10:44:14 pm

Title: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: 4est Trekker on July 13, 2011, 10:44:14 pm

Hey, all.  Here's a little follow-along on my latest project, an osage static recurve.  My target is 50# @28". (Actually, 50# and some change at 28" and some change, but who's counting?) Here's the stave I chose.  I cut it a couple of years ago from a nice little honey-hole in southwest Iowa.

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5049.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5053.jpg)

I decided on nearly straight taper for the sides, and a very slight, even taper for the belly.  I measure this out by dividing each limb into equal parts, marking the width/thickness at each point, and then connecting the dots.  Sorry, I didn't take any pictures of that process.

I like to tiller the bow out to about 24" before I heat any reflex into it or recurve the tips.  Here a couple pictures of the bow at brace and drawn to 22" on the tree:

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5060.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5061.jpg)


At this point I heated in about 2" of reflex and straightened the stave out a bit.  Again, sorry...no pictures of that part either.

Next I recurved the tips. I tapered the last 7" of each tip, then glued up a series of laminations to complete the curve.  Here's a picture of the jigs I used for that process, complete with some prebent maple backing strips.  The jigs are identical, as they were held together with double sided tape while shaping.  With two forms, I can prebend the laminations 4 at a time (2 on each jig) using dry heat.  I also prebend the tips of the bow.   

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5177.jpg)


End of round 1...  :)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: 4est Trekker on July 13, 2011, 10:46:02 pm

After the long process of preparing the rosewood/osage lams and the limb tips, here's the result.  Kind of wacky, but it'll get dressed up in the end with some nice laminated brush knocks a la Nels Grumley.  I used Urac 185 for all the laminations.

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5176.jpg)

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5174.jpg)

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5175.jpg)


After a little tweaking of both the alignment (using dry heat, but avoiding the laminations!) and the tiller, here's where I'm at.  The bottom (i.e stronger) limb is on the right.  It's pulling about 45#@24", so I'm in the ballpark to hit my target weight/draw.  It's currently 63" ntn.  Now comes the agonizing last four inches!      :(     If all goes according to plan, I'll dress the bow out with brush nocks and a nice set of rattler skins. 

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5172.jpg)

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5171.jpg)


Here's a shot of the bow at rest just after shooting about 50 arrows through it a short draw.

   (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5178.jpg)


End of round 2...more to come!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: n2huntn on July 13, 2011, 11:36:40 pm

Looking good,always enjoy your work.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: gstoneberg on July 14, 2011, 12:19:59 am

I love those laminated recurves.  Looking great!

George

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: ErictheViking on July 14, 2011, 01:36:51 am

sweet bow 4est. ggod job on the laminations

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: soy on July 14, 2011, 03:26:02 am

Looking forward to the rest of the process, awsome job so far ;)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: druid on July 14, 2011, 10:54:43 am

Excellent buildalong!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: 4est Trekker on July 16, 2011, 04:40:25 am

I've got the bow tillered back out to 27" and have been shooting it quite a bit.  It's pulling right at 50# and flat-launches an arrow.  I got the handle roughed in as shown below.  I would have liked to have done a more Hill-like grip with a slight dish, but the stave simply didn't allow due to a suspect area I wanted to avoid when laying out the fades.  That area turned out to be nothing, but I avoided it nonethless.  As such, my handle area is shorter than usual.  However, it turned out to be a good thing because it gave me a touch more working limb.

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5191.jpg)

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5190.jpg)

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5189.jpg)


After about two hours of tedious work, I got both limb tips laminated with alternations of osage and rosewood in preparation for the brush nocks.  This process is slightly more enjoyable than watching paint dry.    ::)  However, it'll be worth it in the end.  For those that may be wondering, "Doesn't that extra mass at the tips create handshock and slow the arrow down?" Theoretically, perhaps.  But I've never noticed a difference.  I love the way they shoot, look, and function (i.e. keeping brush from snagging between the limb and the string).  If it's good enough for Nels Grumley and his cohorts, it's good enough for me.

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5192.jpg)


End of round 3... 

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: swtchbckshtr on July 16, 2011, 01:26:44 pm

very nice work, looks real nice...

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: Bow Nut on July 16, 2011, 03:04:25 pm

very cool nice looking bows good job

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: toomanyknots on July 16, 2011, 03:25:45 pm

That is absolutely my favorite handle style of all time period. I love the way it looks and feels in the hand. Wicked wicked nocks.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: 4est Trekker on July 18, 2011, 02:37:00 am

Well, I'm up to roughly 35 hours on this bow now and it's coming along nicely. It's tillered and fairly shot in to 28", holding its profile nicely, and is sporting some new nocks. 

Because I'm a weakling, I generally have my cousin shoot in a bow while I observe from the side. He's always quite eager to help!  Anyway, here's a full draw shot at 28".  It's  a little awkward, as he was shooting from his knees in his basement because of the 115 degree heat index outside!  BLAH!

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5195.jpg)


Here's what the profile looked like immediately after shooting and unstringing:

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5196.jpg)

Here's a few shots of the brush nocks, which are set up with double nocks for stringing.  I've got some tweaking to do on them yet, but they're getting there:

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5202.jpg)

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5203.jpg)

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5198.jpg)

(http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5201.jpg)

End of round 4...getting closer!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: Pat B on July 18, 2011, 03:18:30 am

Curt, you build a beautiful, well tillered bow but it's your eye for detail that really sets them off! I love this style bow for historical and practical value and you definately do it justice!  8)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: Gordon on July 18, 2011, 03:25:44 am

Wow, very nice!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: blackhawk on July 18, 2011, 09:17:49 am

Good idea getting someone else to shoot it in,as you said you can stand off to the side and see the whole shot process. Plus it looks like ya get to spend some time with a fam member. Double bonus.

Are you gonna call it bumble bee. The lam curves looks like the coloration of a bee. I wouldn't wanna get stung with that one. Excellent bow n bend. Perfectly executed.  ;)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: dbb on July 18, 2011, 09:32:24 am

Someday ill make a bow that looks that good...but not for a good while ;D
Very pretty bow,just in my taste.

/Mikael

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on July 24, 2011, 07:00:42 pm

Suh~ Weet!

I had an idea for a similar bow but in multiple laminations of bamboo.  How much would you charge for a bow like that?

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: 4est Trekker on August 08, 2011, 02:12:33 am

Okay, here's the finished pictures!  Thanks for looking.

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5288.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5291.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5324.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5307.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5308.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5313.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5316.jpg)

 (http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae321/isaacscr/Trade%20Bow%20for%20Eric%20Thieman/HPIM5327.jpg)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: gmc on August 08, 2011, 08:33:32 am

Perfect!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: cracker on August 08, 2011, 11:23:38 am

Mighty fine.Ron

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: mullet on August 08, 2011, 11:35:09 am

 That is Sweet and has the look of a Classic!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Pappy on August 08, 2011, 01:26:42 pm

Beautiful bow,very nice work.
    Pappy

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: ErictheViking on August 08, 2011, 01:35:23 pm

gorgeous 4est. old Nels would be proud. :)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: hatcha on August 08, 2011, 02:06:38 pm

Beautifully finished!!  Nice build-along :)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: woodsrunner on August 08, 2011, 04:09:33 pm

Man what a beautiful bow. Someday I hope to try a static. Great Job!!!  ;D  ;D  ;D

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: seabass on August 08, 2011, 05:57:09 pm

i knew you made nice knives,but WOW that is one nice bow Curt.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Del the cat on August 08, 2011, 06:09:57 pm

Some very handsome work on that bow. Those nocks are works of art.
Del

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: ken75 on August 09, 2011, 05:25:43 pm

i have been fascinated with that style for a while now . love the old statics with brush nocks. work of art

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: gutpile on August 09, 2011, 06:56:10 pm

man that is a sweet looking static...craftsmanship is off the chain...one question..do the grumleys add handshock?....can't see how they don't..gut

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: blackhawk on August 09, 2011, 07:16:03 pm

Recurves don't get much better than that.  :)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: MWirwicki on August 10, 2011, 12:55:43 am

Very nice, clean looking recurve.  I especially like your static tips. 

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Michael C. on August 10, 2011, 01:21:55 am

Wow that is a really nice looking bow all around.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: jpitts on August 10, 2011, 01:28:55 am

Absolutely a work of art. Love the tip lams.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Gaur on August 10, 2011, 02:21:48 am

that's a great looking bow.  I have also wanted to try one of these sometime.  I hate it when stuff gets stuck under the string in the woods.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: PeteC on October 09, 2011, 10:20:53 am

Wow! I missed this one when it was first posted. That is an incredible bow.Great job.I like every thing about it.   God Bless

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: coaster500 on October 09, 2011, 01:31:27 pm

Exceptional bow!!

Perfectly done .......  Wow!!!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: juniper junkie on October 11, 2011, 01:20:48 am

I must say that is the best looking bow I have seen. I love the grumley brushnocks and the tiller and finish are superb. well done!!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: druid on October 11, 2011, 02:39:46 am

Extremly good bow!!!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: mikekeswick on October 11, 2011, 12:21:57 pm

Very well executed.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Elktracker on October 11, 2011, 01:50:58 pm

Great job! thanks for sharing that with us :D I agree with all of the above beautiful bow!
 
Josh

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 11, 2011, 05:58:51 pm

As Justin Wilson would say... Hoooweeee! Don't dat purty?!!!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: medicinewheel on October 11, 2011, 07:51:43 pm

Great work, thanks for sharing!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: 4est Trekker on October 12, 2011, 02:17:29 am

Thanks, fellas :)

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Parnell on October 12, 2011, 11:21:34 am

Sheesh, I missed this one too.  That's a stand out bow!  Just beautiful, Trekker.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on October 13, 2011, 07:53:32 pm

What is the length of it?

I'm itching to try this in hickory as a bamboo backed bow.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: nyarrow on October 14, 2011, 01:38:54 am

Excellent looking bow! I hope it she shoots straight for you.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: 4est Trekker on October 14, 2011, 03:10:55 am

Thanks, all :)  Prairie Bowyer:  The bow is 63" ntn, if I remember right.  Also, I think you'd have better luck with a trapped hickory backed hickory than bamboo backed hickory.  Hickory is miserably weak in compression compared to bamboo's tension strength.  There are lots of great boo backed hickory bows out there, but I'm sure wary of the pairing. 

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: TurtleCreek on October 14, 2011, 04:24:12 am

  Perfect looking tips, beautiful job!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Hunter Van Winkle on October 16, 2011, 03:52:27 pm

Very nice, I especially like where the snake skin fades into the tips.

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: Arrowind on October 17, 2011, 01:42:14 am

Inspiring.  A very high level of skill, quality and talent.  Good job man.  Thanks for doing the build-along.  Awesome bow!

Title: Re: Osage Static Recurve Build-Along - FINISHED PICS!
Post by: swamp yeti on October 17, 2011, 10:35:31 am

That is one beautiful bow,good job.